THYROID IMBALANCE

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland that sits behind and below the Adam’s apple. A wide range of factors from hormone imbalances to mineral deficiencies and environmental pollutants can interfere with thyroid production, leading to health problems.

Dysfunction is Notoriously Under-Diagnosed

The American Thyroid Association estimates that as many as 60% of people with thyroid disease are not aware of it. Statistics show that women are seven times more likely than men to develop thyroid problems, facing as much as a one in five chance of developing a problem particularly during the peri-menopause years when hormones start to fluctuate.

Thyroid disease or dysfunction can explain a wide variety of symptoms. Do these sound familiar?

Hypothyroidism

Weight gain or inability to lose weight despite exercise and diet

Feeling cold all the time (when others don’t)

Low energy and stamina, especially in the evening

Memory lapses or slow/fuzzy thinking

Dry, thinning, itchy skin

Dry or brittle hair and nails

Hair loss

Irregular bowel habits

Menstrual irregularities

Hyperthyroidism

Sudden or significant weight loss

Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Sweating

Nervousness or irritability

Levels of key thyroid hormones can indicate whether there is a thyroid imbalance. These include:

TSH

Produced by the pituitary gland, TSH acts on the thyroid gland to stimulate production of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4).

Free T4 – Thyroxine

The predominant hormone produced by the thyroid gland, T4 is converted to its active form, T3, within cells.

Total T4 – Thyroxine

Total T4 includes both free T4 and protein-bound T4, and is an indicator of the thyroid gland’s ability to synthesize, process and release T4 into the bloodstream.

Free T3 – Triiodothyronine

T3 is the active thyroid hormone that regulates the metabolic activity of cells.

TPOab – Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies

Thyroid peroxidase is an enzyme involved in thyroid hormone production. The body produces antibodies, including TPOab, that attack the thyroid gland in autoimmune thyroiditis and Hashimoto’s. Testing TPOab levels can diagnose these conditions.

Tgbn – Thyroglobulin

A protein rich in tyrosine, the residues of which when bound to iodine become the building blocks of T3 and T4. If iodine levels are low, thyroglobulin accumulates, thus high levels indicate insufficient iodine for healthy thyroid function.

READY TO TALK?

ZRT is a CLIA certified diagnostic laboratory and the leader in hormone and wellness testing. We provide accurate and meaningful test results that assist health care providers in making informed treatment decisions.